Concrete Guides & Expert Advice
Practical guides for specifiers, contractors, and self-builders — covering grades, mixes, pumping, and best practice across Yorkshire and the North West.
72 guides
Foamed Concrete & Normal Concrete: What's the Difference?
Foamed concrete versus normal concrete compared on composition, density, strength, water ratio, compaction and thermal performance, plus where each one is the wrong choice.
Read guide →
The Uses & Benefits of Foam Concrete (UK Guide)
What foam concrete is used for and why it gets specified: void fill, trench reinstatement, load reduction and insulation, plus the self-compaction that changes a job's economics.
Read guide →
What Is Foamed Concrete? UK Guide to Foam Concrete
Foamed concrete explained: what it is made of, how it is produced, the density and strength bands, how long it takes to set, and the names it hides behind on a spec.
Read guide →
Screed vs Concrete: What's the Difference? (UK Guide)
Screed and concrete explained side by side: strength, thickness, cost, whether you can DIY it, and the mistakes that cost people the most on a floor build-up.
Read guide →
Concrete Driveway Pros and Cons: Cost, Lifespan and Value
The downsides of a concrete driveway alongside the benefits, what the cheapest UK driveway surface really is, and whether a driveway adds value to a house.
Read guide →
What Are the Disadvantages of Foam Concrete? (UK Guide)
The real disadvantages of foam concrete: low strength, point loads, shrinkage, water absorption and abrasion. Plus how long it lasts and when to use it anyway.
Read guide →
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Concrete Driveway? (UK)
The permeable surfacing rules explained: when a concrete driveway needs planning permission, the 5 square metre threshold, and how drainage keeps you permitted.
Read guide →
Poor Man's Concrete and the Fairy Liquid Myth: DIY Shortcuts Tested
What poor man's concrete actually is, why adding washing up liquid to cement wrecks the mix, and which common DIY concrete shortcuts genuinely work.
Read guide →
Can You Pour Concrete Straight Onto Soil? (UK Guide)
Why pouring concrete directly onto soil fails, what sub-base you actually need, and the few situations where concrete against undisturbed ground is genuinely fine.
Read guide →
How Many 20kg Bags of Concrete Make 1m3? (UK Guide)
How many 20kg and 25kg bags of concrete make a cubic metre, why the answer is around 108 bags, and the point where bagging it stops being cheaper than delivery.
Read guide →
Is It Cheaper to Lay Concrete or Slabs? UK Cost Comparison
Poured concrete vs paving slabs compared on material cost, labour, lifespan and repair. Which is genuinely cheaper for a patio, driveway or shed base in the UK.
Read guide →
Concrete Slab Cost UK: Price by Slab Size (2025)
What a concrete slab costs in the UK by size, including 10x12 and 12x12, the concrete price per m2 at 100mm and 150mm, and what laying it adds on top.
Read guide →
What Is Self-Levelling Screed? UK Guide to Liquid Floor Screed
Self-levelling screed explained: how liquid anhydrite and cement screeds work, depths, drying times, underfloor heating suitability and where it beats sand and cement.
Read guide →
Concrete Mix Ratio: 1:2:4 for General Use (Full UK Guide)
The standard concrete mix ratio is 1:2:4 (cement:sand:aggregate) for general work, 1:1.5:3 for structural jobs. Full UK guide by job type, with the water-cement ratio explained.
Read guide →
Alternatives to Portland Cement: Low-Carbon Options for UK Concrete
The realistic alternatives to Portland cement in UK concrete: GGBS, fly ash, limestone calcined clay and geopolymer. What each replaces, what it costs you in set time and strength.
Read guide →
Concrete Admixture Dosage: How Much to Add Per m3 (UK Guide)
Typical concrete admixture dosage rates per cubic metre for plasticisers, accelerators, retarders and air-entrainers, why dosage is set by cement content, and the overdosing risks.
Read guide →
24/7 Concrete Delivery Explained: How Round-the-Clock Concrete Supply Works
How 24/7 concrete delivery actually works: volumetric mixing, night and weekend dispatch, who needs it, and what out-of-hours concrete costs vs daytime supply.
Read guide →
Fibre Reinforced Concrete vs Steel Mesh: Which Should You Choose?
Fibre vs mesh reinforcement compared: labour, placement risk, and cost. When fibre can replace mesh, and when a structural engineer will specify mesh only.
Read guide →
How Much Fibre Do You Need Per m³ of Concrete? Dosage Guide
Typical fibre dosage per m³: around 0.9kg for polypropylene micro-fibre crack control, significantly more for structural steel or macro-synthetic fibre.
Read guide →
Fibre Reinforced Concrete for Driveways: Is It Worth It?
Fibre reinforced concrete driveways resist shrinkage cracking without laying steel mesh. When fibre is worth it, and when standard mesh is still the answer.
Read guide →
Steel vs Polypropylene Fibre Reinforced Concrete Compared
Steel fibres add structural load-bearing capacity, polypropylene controls shrinkage cracking. Which fibre type suits your slab, floor, or driveway.
Read guide →
How to Add Fibres to Concrete: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to add fibres to concrete correctly: dosage, mixing order, and mixing time. The steps that stop fibres balling up instead of spreading evenly.
Read guide →
Do You Need to Waterproof Concrete Blocks Below Ground? UK Regs Guide
UK Building Regulations require resistance to moisture from the ground for below-ground concrete block walls. What Approved Document C means for your project.
Read guide →
Signs of Water Damage in a Concrete Block Wall (And How to Fix It)
Efflorescence, spalling, damp patches, and cracking: what water damage in a concrete block wall looks like, what causes it, and how to fix each one.
Read guide →
Best Waterproof Sealants for Concrete Block Walls Compared
Elastomeric paint, silicate densifier, cementitious coating or membrane: which waterproof sealant suits a concrete block wall, compared by cost and use case.
Read guide →
Basement Concrete Block Waterproofing: Full Guide
Basement concrete block walls face constant hydrostatic pressure. The right system, drainage, and sump strategy for a genuinely dry basement conversion.
Read guide →
How to Waterproof a Concrete Block Wall: Step-by-Step
How to waterproof a concrete block wall in 5 steps: clean, repair, prime, apply your chosen system, and cure. Tools, products and drying times explained.
Read guide →
Self-Compacting Concrete Price Guide (UK)
Self-compacting concrete costs 15-25% more than standard ready-mix per m³. UK price guide, when to specify it, and how to get an accurate SCC quote.
Read guide →
Barrow Mix Concrete: What It Is, Costs and When to Use It (UK)
What barrow mix concrete is, how many wheelbarrows make a cubic metre, what it costs, and when it beats bagged or ready-mix. Volumetric supply across Yorkshire and the North West from Procon 24/7.
Read guide →
5 Types of Concrete Reinforcement Explained (UK Guide)
The 5 types of concrete reinforcement: rebar, mesh, fibre, CFRP & post-tensioning. Cover requirements, when each is needed, install best practice.
Read guide →
How Long Does Concrete Take to Set? 24–48 Hours (UK Guide)
Concrete sets in 24–48 hours: walk on it at 24 hours, drive at 7 days, full strength at 28. See how weather, grade and admixtures shift the window.
Read guide →
UK Concrete Calculator: How Much Concrete Do You Need?
Calculate concrete volume in m³ for slabs, driveways, footings and more. UK grade guide, thickness tables, waste allowance tips. Procon 24/7, Yorkshire & North West.
Read guide →
Concrete for Footings & Foundations UK: C25 Grade Guide
C25 (GEN3) is the correct grade for most UK footings. Procon 24/7 covers grades, volumes, strip footing depth, and common mistakes. Yorkshire & North West.
Read guide →
How to Mix Concrete in 2025: Ready-Mix vs Volumetric
Modern concrete mixing means plant-batched ready-mix or on-site volumetric batching, not a wheelbarrow. Procon 24/7 explains which method suits your project.
Read guide →
What Is Quick-Set Concrete? UK Guide | Procon 24/7
Quick-set concrete sets in 20–40 min — right for fence posts, wrong for driveways. For infrastructure pours, only Ultra Rapid Set concrete makes the grade.
Read guide →
Why Is My Concrete Driveway Cracking After Winter? UK Guide
Winter driveway cracks are caused by freeze-thaw cycles. Procon 24/7 explains why it happens and how to fix it. Same-day concrete delivery Yorkshire & North West.
Read guide →
How to Finish a Concrete Surface: Step-by-Step UK Guide
Screed, float, edge, trowel, and texture — the 5 stages of concrete finishing explained. Procon 24/7 covers timing, tools, and UK non-slip requirements.
Read guide →
How Long Does Concrete Take to Dry? UK Curing Guide
Walk on it after 24–48 hrs, vehicles after 7 days, full strength at 28 days. Procon 24/7 explains every factor affecting UK concrete curing times.
Read guide →
Concrete Price Per m³ 2025: Full UK Cost Guide
Concrete price per m³: £90 for C20 up to £130+ for C40. 1m³ concrete price, part-load charges, pump hire and delivery fees explained. Procon 24/7 Yorkshire & North West.
Read guide →
When to Use Ready-Mix Concrete: 4 Key Signals | Procon 24/7
Ready-mix is right for certified strength, large volumes, and precise schedules. Procon 24/7 explains the 4 signals — plus when 24/7 supply changes the equation.
Read guide →
Bags of Ready-Mix Concrete or Cement: How to Use Them Right
Bags of ready-mix concrete or cement: the correct mixing method, plus when it's cheaper to order professional delivery instead. Procon 24/7, Yorkshire.
Read guide →
Volumetric vs Ready-Mix Concrete: Which Is Right for You?
Volumetric mixes on-site with no waste or 90-min clock. Ready-mix suits large planned pours. Procon 24/7 compares both. Same-day Yorkshire and North West.
Read guide →
Concrete Blocks Explained: UK Sizes, Types and Strengths
Standard UK concrete block size is 440 x 215mm, in 100, 140 and 215mm widths. Full spec tables for sizes, weights, densities and strength classes, plus dense vs lightweight vs hollow explained.
Read guide →
Concrete Specialists Yorkshire & North West | Procon 24/7
Find certified concrete specialists across Yorkshire and the North West. Ready-mix, volumetric, pumping, and domestic concrete. Same-day delivery available.
Read guide →
What Is Ready-Mix Concrete? UK Guide to RMC | Procon 24/7
Ready-mix concrete is plant-batched to BS EN 206, delivered by drum wagon with a 90-min discharge window. Procon 24/7 explains grades, slump classes, and when to use it.
Read guide →
Admixtures in Concrete: Every Type & What Each One Does
Admixtures in concrete explained: what admixtures for concrete do, the main types (plasticisers, accelerators, air-entrainers) and when to use each. UK guide.
Read guide →
History of Concrete Blocks: From 1824 to Modern Construction
Discover how concrete blocks evolved from Victorian Portland Cement to today's engineered building components. Procon 24/7 supplies concrete across Yorkshire & the North West.
Read guide →
How to Install Concrete Fence Posts: Step-by-Step UK Guide
Concrete fence post installation guide — correct depth, mix type, alignment, and the 4 costly mistakes to avoid. Procon 24/7, Yorkshire & North West.
Read guide →
5 Benefits of Concrete Fence Posts for UK Garden Boundaries
Concrete fence posts outlast wood by decades — zero maintenance, storm-proof, and rot-free. Procon 24/7 supplies concrete for fence post installation across Yorkshire.
Read guide →
Eco-Friendly Concrete Alternatives and Low-Carbon Mixes UK
Greener concrete is possible with SCMs, recycled aggregates, and repair-first strategies. Procon 24/7 supplies low-carbon concrete across Yorkshire & the North West.
Read guide →
What Is Concrete Lifting? UK Polyurethane Repair Guide
Concrete lifting raises sunken slabs without replacement — faster, cheaper, and less disruptive. Expert guide to polyurethane foam injection from Procon 24/7.
Read guide →
Concrete Specialists Near You: Yorkshire & North West Guide
What separates concrete specialists from basic suppliers: accreditations, service range, pumping, and coverage. Procon 24/7, Yorkshire & North West.
Read guide →
Choosing the Best Concrete Company UK: 5-Point Check
The 5 factors separating great concrete companies from basic suppliers: accreditations, service type, reviews, pricing, and pumping. Procon 24/7, Yorkshire.
Read guide →
Concrete Grades UK: C10 to C50 Strengths & Uses Explained
C10 to C50 concrete grades explained: compressive strength, GEN and RC designations, and which grade suits your project. Procon 24/7, Yorkshire & North West.
Read guide →
Are Concrete Blocks Waterproof? No — 3 Fixes That Work
No. Concrete blocks are porous. 3 waterproofing methods that actually stop water: sealants, cementitious coatings, and membranes for basements.
Read guide →
Can Concrete Be Recycled? UK Guide to Recycled Aggregate
Yes — concrete is highly recyclable. Learn how RCA is produced, what it's used for, and the environmental and cost benefits. Procon 24/7, Yorkshire & the North West.
Read guide →
Aggregates in Concrete: What UK Builders Need to Know
Aggregates make up 60–80% of concrete — they determine strength, workability, and durability. UK guide from Procon 24/7 specialists, Yorkshire & North West.
Read guide →
Choosing the Right Concrete Mix for Your Project UK 2025
Ready-mix, volumetric, screed, or fibre-reinforced: choosing the right concrete depends on load, exposure, and access. Practical grade guide from Procon 24/7.
Read guide →
Concrete Repair Services: When to Repair, When to Replace UK
Cracks, spalling, surface damage — know when to repair and when to replace. Professional concrete repair guide from Procon 24/7, serving Yorkshire & the North West.
Read guide →
Mobile Concrete Batching Plants: Complete UK Guide
How mobile concrete batching plants work, when they beat ready-mix, and key operational considerations. Expert guide from Procon 24/7, Yorkshire & the North West.
Read guide →
Concrete vs Cement: What's the Difference? UK Guide
Concrete and cement aren’t the same — confusing them causes costly specification errors. Clear explanation from Procon 24/7, Yorkshire & North West.
Read guide →
Concrete in Hot Weather: UK Best Practices Guide
Above 25°C concrete sets faster, bleeds quicker, and shrinks sooner. Tips on timing, retarders, and curing for UK conditions. Procon 24/7, Yorkshire & North West.
Read guide →
Pouring Concrete in Cold Weather: UK Dos and Don'ts
Below 10°C concrete curing slows; below 0°C it stops. Essential dos and don'ts for cold weather concrete pours from Procon 24/7, Yorkshire & North West.
Read guide →
How to Create a Concrete Driveway: UK Step-by-Step Guide
Planning, concrete specification, finishing, and curing — the 3 key phases for a durable concrete driveway in the UK. Procon 24/7, Yorkshire & the North West.
Read guide →
Stamped Concrete: 10 Ways to Transform Your Garden
Patios, pathways, pool decks, fire pits — stamped concrete delivers natural stone aesthetics at lower cost. UK ideas guide from Procon 24/7, Yorkshire & North West.
Read guide →
10 Concrete Finishing Techniques: UK Guide for 2025
Trowel, broom, exposed aggregate, stamped, polished — which concrete finish is right for your project? Expert guide from Procon 24/7, Yorkshire & the North West.
Read guide →
What Concrete for Footings? UK Grade & Spec Guide
C20, C25, or C35 for footings? Load, ground conditions, and regulations determine the right grade. Admixtures, quantities, and ordering guidance from Procon 24/7.
Read guide →
How Does a Volumetric Concrete Mixer Work? UK Guide
Volumetric mixers batch concrete on-site with no 90-min discharge clock and zero waste. How the drum wagon differs, when to choose it. Procon 24/7 Yorkshire & North West.
Read guide →
How to Lay a Concrete Shed Base: UK Step-by-Step 2025
Step-by-step guide to laying a concrete shed base — preparation, formwork, concrete spec, and curing. From Procon 24/7, serving Yorkshire & the North West.
Read guide →
Concrete Slump Test: Why It Matters for UK Construction
The slump test catches workability issues before concrete is placed. How to perform it and what the results mean. Procon 24/7, Yorkshire & North West.
Read guide →
BS EN 206 & BS 8500 Certified Concrete — Procon 24/7
Procon 24/7 holds BS EN 206 and BS 8500 certifications for concrete quality — what this means for your project and why it matters for building control compliance.
Read guide →
Concrete Mix Ratio & Mix Design: UK Guide to Composition and Strength
What is the correct concrete mix ratio? From w/c ratio and cement:aggregate proportions to fck, GEN and RC designations — Procon 24/7's complete UK mix design guide.
Read guide →